The Welcome

THe archest Cheats to London get,
Yet London is the archest Cheat.
Most there i' th' gentle-craft combine;
Both Courtier, Lawyer, and Divine.
Methinks, their arrogance is odd,
To rob both King, the Law, and God.
London! repent for what is past;
Thou mak'st us fair amends at last.
You, Madam, and your health repay
All Treasures, it e're took away.
For all the millions we have last,
Wee here get Damages and Cost.
Your presence will decay its store;
And we shall now complain no more.
Then fit Returns must needs be sought,
For all these blessings you have brought.
Our services, our pray'rs, and we,
Long since were your propriety.
And tho all these belong to you;
Here we present 'em to your view,
Their claim of int'rest to renew.
Then, Madam, you can never fail
Of hearty welcoms from the Vale;
The noble house from whence you came,
Vouchsafing Honour, and its Name.
Our Ioy (that health o'th' Soul) we give
For th' health of Body, you receive.
But we have better things than these,
More worthy you, and fit to please.
To make this bold assertion good;
Behold th' Elixirs of your blood.
Fair transcripts of your noble mind;
Rich proofs Sir Scroop and you are kind.
Sure-vouchers of a future bliss;
Hopes of the next Ages, Joyes of this.
May Sons and Daughters live t' inherit
Both Father's and the Mother's Spirit.
Love then may justly Trophies build;
For they will surely win the Field,
When all, both Men and Women yield.